Austell, Georgia

Austell, Georgia
City
City of Austell Threadmill Complex
Location in Cobb County and the state of Georgia
Austell Location in Metro Atlanta
Coordinates: 33°48′57″N84°38′10″W / 33.81583°N 84.63611°W / 33.81583; -84.63611
Country	United States
State	Georgia
Counties	Cobb
Area [1]
• Total	5.96 sq mi (15.44 km2)
• Land	5.95 sq mi (15.40 km2)
• Water	0.02 sq mi (0.04 km2)
Elevation	928 ft (283 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	7,713
• Density	1,297.39/sq mi (500.95/km2)
Time zone	UTC−5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP Codes	30106, 30168
Area codes	770 678, 470, and 943
FIPS code	13-04252 [2]
GNIS feature ID	0354416 [3]
Website	austellga.gov

Austell is a city in Cobb and Douglas counties in the U.S. state of Georgia. It is part of the Atlanta metropolitan area. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 7,713.

History

Game hunters and trappers frequently went through the area that is now Austell on their way to the area's salt licks. These early visitors claimed the area's waters had medicinal properties. It soon became a destination for therapeutic healing, leading to the founding of a town known as Salt Springs. As immigration increased and demand for land near the spring grew, G. O. Mozely donated and subdivided 40 acres (16 ha) of his land, enhancing the loose settlement with a street plan. Later, the spring was renamed Lithia Springs due to the water containing lithium carbonate, and the neighboring city of Lithia Springs was founded in 1882. In 1888, the lithia spring water was bottled and sold under the commercial name Bowden Lithia Spring Water. ^[4] The historic lithia spring water is still bottled and sold under the name brand Lithia Spring Water. The Georgia Pacific Railway ^[a] chose the town of Austell to be a station depot, being the dividing point for the major Birmingham and Chattanooga railway lines. ^[5]

Austell was incorporated in 1885. ^[6] The town is named for General Alfred Austell (1814–1881), in recognition of his efforts to bring major railways to the South. ^[7] General Austell also founded the Atlanta National Bank (later renamed First Atlanta), which eventually became part of Wachovia ^[7] and later Wells Fargo through various mergers and acquisitions. General Austell is buried in an elaborate Gothic Revival–style mausoleum at the highest point in Atlanta's Oakland Cemetery.

In 2009, Sweetwater Creek flooded, destroying many homes and businesses in the Austell area. ^[8]

Geography

Austell is located along the southern border of Cobb County at 33°48′57″N84°38′10″W / 33.81583°N 84.63611°W / 33.81583; -84.63611 (33.815905, −84.636242). ^[9] A small portion of the city extends south into Douglas County. It is bordered by Lithia Springs to the south and Mableton to the east. The city of Powder Springs is 4 miles (6 km) to the northwest. U.S. Route 78 passes through the city, leading east 15 miles (24 km) to downtown Atlanta and west 8 miles (13 km) to Douglasville.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Austell has a total area of 6.0 square miles (15.5 km²), of which 0.015 square miles (0.04 km²), or 0.24%, is water. ^[10]

Topography

Sweetwater Creek, a tributary of the Chattahoochee River, flows through the city, passing north, then east of the city center. The area is relatively flat, with few large hills.

Climate

According to the Köppen classification, Austell has a humid subtropical climate ^[11] with hot, humid summers and mild, but occasionally cold winters by the standards of the southern United States. The city experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, with a July daily average of 89 °F (32 °C). In a normal summer it is not unusual for temperatures to exceed 90 °F (32 °C). Winters are mild, windy, with some warm, sunny days and occasional snow, with a January average high of 50 °F (10 °C) and low of 30 °F (−1 °C). Occasionally, high temperatures will struggle to reach 40 °F (4 °C), and nights can dip into the teens. Subzero temperatures are very uncommon and only occur once every decade or so.

Climate data for Austell, Georgia
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °F (°C)	80 (27)	80 (27)	89 (32)	93 (34)	96 (36)	101 (38)	104 (40)	104 (40)	99 (37)	92 (33)	86 (30)	80 (27)	104 (40)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)	50 (10)	55 (13)	64 (18)	72 (22)	79 (26)	86 (30)	89 (32)	88 (31)	83 (28)	73 (23)	63 (17)	54 (12)	71 (22)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)	30 (−1)	34 (1)	38 (3)	45 (7)	54 (12)	62 (17)	66 (19)	65 (18)	59 (15)	46 (8)	38 (3)	31 (−1)	47 (8)
Record low °F (°C)	−12 (−24)	−2 (−19)	7 (−14)	21 (−6)	32 (0)	40 (4)	50 (10)	48 (9)	30 (−1)	22 (−6)	9 (−13)	−4 (−20)	−12 (−24)
Source: The Weather Channel [12]

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1890	582		—
1900	648		11.3%
1910	755		16.5%
1920	758		0.4%
1930	963		27.0%
1940	1,229		27.6%
1950	1,413		15.0%
1960	1,867		32.1%
1970	2,632		41.0%
1980	3,939		49.7%
1990	4,173		5.9%
2000	5,359		28.4%
2010	6,581		22.8%
2020	7,713		17.2%
U.S. Decennial Census [13] 1850-1870 [14] 1870-1880 [15] 1890-1910 [16] 1920-1930 [17] 1940 [18] 1950 [19] 1960 [20] 1970 [21] 1980 [22] 1990 [23] 2000 [24] 2010 [25] 2020 [26]

2020 census

Austell city, Georgia – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.

Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic)	Pop 2000 [27]	Pop 2010 [28]	Pop 2020 [26]	% 2000	% 2010	% 2020
White alone (NH)	3,314	1,932	1,444	61.84%	29.36%	18.72%
Black or African American alone (NH)	1,314	3,593	4,500	24.52%	54.60%	58.34%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH)	18	13	26	0.34%	0.20%	0.34%
Asian alone (NH)	43	96	106	0.80%	1.46%	1.37%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (NH)	0	9	2	0.00%	0.14%	0.03%
Other race alone (NH)	12	22	53	0.22%	0.33%	0.69%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH)	65	134	278	1.21%	2.04%	3.60%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)	593	782	1,304	11.07%	11.88%	16.91%
Total	5,359	6,581	7,713	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 7,713 people, 2,691 households, and 1,794 families residing in the city.

In 2020 the Austell population by county breakdown was as follows: 6,541 in Cobb County and 40 in Douglas County. ^[29]

Economy

The economy of Austell in its early years was largely tied to the rail depot, transferring people and goods and allowing many residents to commute to nearby Atlanta in pursuit of higher paying, more abundant jobs. Passengers no longer move by rail to or from Austell, though. Other industry includes recycling paper and plastics with exports going as far as China.

Arts and culture

Annual events

The city of Austell holds an annual July 4 fireworks celebration. ^[30]

A Local Church Beacon of Light Christian Church Host a Annual Free Block Block Party for the Community on Easter Sunday

Points of interest

Six Flags Over Georgia, a large tourist attraction, is located in unincorporated Cobb County 7 miles (11 km) southeast of downtown and has an Austell mailing address.

The Collar Community Center located near downtown is used for civic organizations and local get-togethers. ^[31] The South Cobb Recreation Center is a 21,000-square-foot (2,000 m²) facility that offers a gym, two multipurpose rooms, a caterer's kitchen, six offices, a conference room, three restrooms and a lobby. It has an occupational capacity of 939. ^[32]

The Cenacle Coffee and Bistro, established in 2015 by Malcolm and Nedra Lewis, has become a cornerstone of the Austell community. This welcoming establishment offers more than just delicious food and excellent service; it serves as a gathering place where visitors and locals alike feel at home. Located in the heart of Austell, The Cenacle provides a diverse menu and unique spaces like the Garden of Hope. Its commitment to the community shines through various initiatives, notably during the pandemic when they provided free meals twice a week to those in need. The Cenacle regularly hosts local events, supports community programs, and participates in initiatives like prayer walks with local businesses. With its food truck and catering services extending its reach, The Cenacle has become an integral part of Austell's social fabric, embodying the city's spirit of hospitality and community support.

Sports

During summer, softball games are nearly a continual occurrence with city leagues having 30 games and 450 players. In addition to cheerleading, 32 teams of over 500 youths are sponsored by the Sweetwater Valley Youth Association. Five lighted fields accommodate baseball and softball aficionados. Collar Park and Washington Street Park both have tennis courts.

Parks and recreation

The Austell Parks and Recreation Department maintains five recreational facilities and seven parks Berry Park, a passive park, Collar Park and Legion Park which are both community parks, and Pine Street, Stephens, Washington Street and Berry Park which are neighborhood parks. Combined, they all cover an area of 36.2 acres (14.6 ha).

Government

City hall

The city of Austell has seven elected officials: ^[33] Mayor, representatives of four wards and two representatives at-large.

Education

Public education in the Cobb County portion of Austell is handled by the Cobb County School District. ^[34] Public schools in the city limits include Austell Primary School, Austell Elementary School, Garrett Middle School, and South Cobb High School. ^[35]

Public education in the Douglas County portion of Austell (along with the rest of the county) is handled by the Douglas County School System. ^[36]

Private schools in the city include:

• Cumberland Christian Academy ^[37]
• Good Shepherd Learning Center ^[38]
• Sunbrook Academy at Barnes Mill ^[39]
• The Goddard School is located north of Austell ^[40]

Media

The locally read newspapers include the South Cobb Patch, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the Fulton County Daily Report . ^[41]

Transportation

Austell is 4 miles (6 km) north of Interstate 20. It also sits on the divergence of two Norfolk Southern rail lines, one to Birmingham and the other to Chattanooga.

Explanatory notes

1. The Georgia Pacific Railway (not to be confused with the present-day Georgia-Pacific pulp and paper company) later merged into the Southern Railway, which is now part of Norfolk Southern Railway.

References

1. "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
2. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved 2008-01-31.
3. "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
4. Davis, Fannie Mae Davis (1987). From Indian Trail to Interstate 20, Douglas County History, US.
5. Austell History
6. Candler, Allen Daniel; Evans, Clement Anselm (1906). Georgia: Comprising Sketches of Counties, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons. State historical association. p. 101.
7. Galloway, Tammy H. "Alfred Austell". New Georgia Encyclopedia . Retrieved February 26, 2012.
8. Austell Flood Victim Seeks Answers
9. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
10. "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Austell city, Georgia". U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved July 29, 2014.
11. "Köppen Classification Map". Archived from the original on August 18, 2016. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
12. "Monthly Averages for Austell, Georgia". Weather Channel. July 2011. Retrieved July 9, 2011.^{[ permanent dead link ‍]}
13. "Decennial Census of Population and Housing by Decade". United States Census Bureau.
14. "1870 Census of Population - Georgia - Population of Civil Divisions less than Counties" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1870.
15. "1880 Census of Population - Georgia - Population of Civil Divisions less than Counties" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1880.
16. "1910 Census of Population - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1910.
17. "1930 Census of Population - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1930. pp. 251–256.
18. "1940 Census of Population - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1940.
19. "1950 Census of Population - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1950.
20. "1960 Census of Population - Population of County Subdivisions - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1960.
21. "1970 Census of Population - Population of County Subdivisions - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1970.
22. "1980 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1980.
23. "1990 Census of Population - Summary Social, Economic, and Housing Characteristics - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1990.
24. "2000 Census of Population - General Population Characteristics - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 2000.
25. "2010 Census of Population - General Population Characteristics - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 2010.
26. "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Austell city, Georgia". United States Census Bureau .
27. "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Austell city, Georgia". United States Census Bureau .
28. "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Austell city, Georgia". United States Census Bureau .
29. "General Highway Map Douglas County Georgia" (PDF). Georgia Department of Transportation . Retrieved September 25, 2024.
30. Austell Fire Works
31. "Collar Community Center". Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
32. South Cobb Recreation Center Archived August 25, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
33. Elected Officials of Austell
34. "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Cobb County, GA" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. p. 3 (PDF p. 4/5). Retrieved September 25, 2024. - Text list
35. "Where Is Austell?." City of Austell. Retrieved on July 23, 2013.
36. "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Douglas County, GA" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau . Retrieved September 24, 2024. - Text list
37. Cumberland Christian Academy
38. Good Learning Shepherd Center
39. Sunbrook Academy at Barnes Mill
40. Goddard School Archived July 11, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
41. Fulton County Daily Report Online

External links

• City of Austell official website